Monday, June 08, 2015

Okay, so right off the bat let me explain that I don't receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in my hand. But this isn't at all an argument about that. There are many, many people who do…and they have every right to. An indult has been granted for this practice.

And there is a very reverend way to do so!

As Saint Cyril of Jerusalem said, lo these many years ago:

When thou goest to receive communion go not with they wrists extended, nor with thy fingers separated, but placing thy left hand as a throne for they right, which is to receive so great a King, and in the hollow of the palm receive the Body of Christ, saying, `Amen.'

What the good saint do not say is "stick out your hand, grab the Host, and saunter back to your pew, and oh, incidentally, don't forget to consume the Lord!"

See the difference? Okay. I'm pretty sure if you're reading this you already know how to receive Jesus in your hand…so pass this on — tactfully, if possible — to your friends, family members, and others who seem not to know.

* Approach the Sacrament with reverence. This isn't the time to grin and wave at friends in the pews.

* Upon reaching the minister of Holy Communion — be he a priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of the Eucharist — bow your head reverently…you're about to receive God!

* Lift your eyes to the minister of Holy Communion with your hands in the position described by Saint Cyril.

* When the minister of Holy Communion proclaims "The Body of Christ," clearly affirm this by responding "Amen."

* Upon receiving the Sacred Host, immediately consume this most precious gift so that the minister of Holy Communion sees that you do so!!!